InterAction alliance of humanitarian aid groups partner with U.S. government and The UPS Foundation in new Ad Council campaign to build support for Philippine relief efforts

TV, radio, print and web ads highlight importance of giving a financial donation to an experienced aid organization

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With a massive response effort underway in the Philippines, a national ad campaign has been launched to encourage Americans to support the disaster relief efforts by giving a monetary donation to InterAction's member organizations actively engaged in meeting the needs of those affected by the typhoon. The series of television, radio, print and web public service advertisements (PSAs) direct audiences to visit PhilippinesRelief.AdCouncil.org, where they can contribute to support the immediate and long-term recovery efforts.

"In the wake of a humanitarian catastrophe like Typhoon Haiyan, Americans want to lend a helping hand," said Samuel A. Worthington, president and CEO of InterAction. "A financial donation to an experienced aid organization is the quickest and most effective way to help provide supplies and services to children and families affected by the typhoon."

The organizations featured in the Ad Council campaign are members of InterAction assisting in the relief operations. Established in 1984, InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

According to United Nations estimates, more than 13 million people in the Philippines have been affected by the storm – at least 5 million of them children. More than 4 million people have been displaced. Many have lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. About 2.5 million people are in need of food assistance.

"The American people have a long history of compassion and generosity in the face of crisis, and in the days and weeks ahead, we will remain committed to ensuring that our assistance not only saves lives today, but reduces the risk of disaster tomorrow," said Dr. Rajiv Shah, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator.

InterAction members are working with local partners, and rapidly scaling up critical aid operations, delivering supplies and emergency assistance. InterAction members adhere to the internationally recognized Sphere standards in humanitarian response and certify their adherence to InterAction membership standards.

"It will take years for the children and families affected by this typhoon – one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded – to rebuild their lives and communities," Worthington said. "Our members are committed to supporting them rebuild."

The PSAs were produced by the Disaster Relief Coalition, a group of organizations that came together to let the public know how best to help in a disaster and that monetary donations are the fastest and most flexible way to give. The coalition consists of the Ad Council, Center for International Disaster Information, InterAction, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, The UPS Foundation and USAID.

Last week, President Obama encouraged Americans to give generously to the Philippine relief effort, and announced a new site at whitehouse.gov/typhoon which features a link to InterAction's crisis response list of member organizations.

"With the support of the White House and the Ad Council, and as the holiday giving season kicks off with #GivingTuesday on December 3, we hope Americans are inspired to donate to the families and communities of the Philippines," Worthington said. 

InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based nongovernmental international organizations, with more than 180 members. Our members operate in every developing country, working with local communities to overcome poverty and suffering by helping to improve their quality of life. Visit www.interaction.org.

SOURCE InterAction